supplements

I love it when a person or incident inspires me to write. Such is the case for my writing today which was inspired by a man I met at a local food event this past October. I was there to help patrons find credible nutrition resources on the web when I was approached by a gentleman who asked me about fish oil supplements. He went on to say, “I never knew that I needed to stop taking these supplements before surgery. ” He then shared with me the details of the complications he experienced after a surgical procedure, all of which could have been avoided had he stopped taking the supplements prior to surgery.

The complications described by the gentleman mentioned above were related to a couple of the potential side effects of consuming fish oil in amounts greater than 3 grams/day: decreased blood clotting and increased risk of bleeding. Both very serious complications, especially if you’re undergoing surgery. This real life story illustrates the potential negative impact supplements can have on the perioperative period.

Fish oil is a dietary supplement. Consumers should also be aware of the potential dangers of herbal supplements which are now perhaps the largest segment of the American supplement market. Dietary, nutritional and herbal supplements are all exempt from the safety and efficacy regulations that are required of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Manufacturers of these supplements do not need FDA approval before they market these products (except in the case of a new dietary ingredient). Consequently, these supplements have not been investigated in large clinical trials and the formulations are not standardized, but vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Although frequently marketed as “natural” the active ingredients in supplements interact with other medications, have drug-like effects and side effects all of which can be dangerous.

Deciding to undergo a surgical procedure is a big decision. Your goal is to have the BEST surgical outcome possible. It is prudent to discuss ALL supplements you are taking or are considering taking with your doctor (even those you believe to be “natural”). Many supplements thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding which can lead to a host of complications including: hematoma, infection, possible need for blood transfusion, wound breakdown complications, cardiac effects, inability to begin rehabilitation immediately. Is that enough? There are plenty of variables to complicate surgery without the additional risk factors from supplements loosely marketed as “natural”.

Billions of dollars are spent on nutritional supplements every year. However, this profitable industry is not held to strict standards of providing pure, safe or effective products. The most recent case I have heard about relates to the circumstances surrounding sprinter Michael Rodgers, the former 2009 National Champion for the 100 meter dash. He qualified for this years team when he placed third at nationals. Now reports speculate he may have lost his eligibility by testing positive for a stimulant, methylhexameamine, found in an energy drink.

Where is the responsibility in the nutritional supplement industry? Unfortunately, the responsibility falls on the consumer! It is the consumers responsibility to know that supplements are not pure, safe, or necessarily effective.

Beware: when you take a nutritional supplement there is nothing protecting you from potential harmful ingredients or from false or misleading claims.

If you are concerned about optimizing your sport performance, you should be concerned about properly fueling your body. Food is your body’s fuel. Consider wholesome foods which provide a better nutritional value than any supplement.

Are you aware that:

• Food can provide the same nutrients a supplement does.

• Nutrients are absorbed better from food than they are from supplements.

• There are no side effects to food.

• Plant foods contain phytochemicals in amounts that are likely to promote health. Supplements frequently add these substances in large amounts which can be dangerous.

• Available scientific evidence does not support claims that taking phytochemical supplements is as helpful as consuming the fruits, vegetables, beans and grains from which they are taken.

• Food is cheaper.

• Most would agree, food tastes better.

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that the best way to meet nutritional needs is by a wide selection of a wide variety of food. They point out that food, particularly plant based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds and teas have a myriad of other health promoting substances beyond vitamin and minerals-including carotenoids, polyphenols and flavonoids. These are substances linked to preventing or reducing the risk of certain diseases.

Amy Bragg, R.D., C.S.S.D., L.D., Director of Performance Nutrition at the University of Alabama and Vice President of the Collegiate and Professional Sport Dietitians Association believes there would be less reliance on supplements if athletes had better access to whole foods which offer benefits that supplements do not.

Athletes deserve to know what they’re eating is safe and supports their training. They spend enormous amounts of time practicing, drilling and conditioning. They can’t afford to be sick, under or overfed, or fatigued. A diet made of whole foods, wisely chosen from a broad spectrum of real foods and varied daily is the best way to meet an athlete’s nutritional needs.

Published by Diane Boyd.

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